Last time the lockout happened, many NHLers went to Europe; almost all had an out-clause. I think the Dregger tween is mostly about the agent protecting the player. I don't think it speaks well about the players' intentions to negotiate with the NHL in good faith if they officially started to talk these side deals at the same time.

Tomas wrote:Last time the lockout happened, many NHLers went to Europe; almost all had an out-clause. I think the Dregger tween is mostly about the agent protecting the player. I don't think it speaks well about the players' intentions to negotiate with the NHL in good faith if they officially started to talk these side deals at the same time.

Its an interesting concept. Players playing elsewhere before negotiations are complete. I think it will have a two fold effect.

1. That player will take heat from fans if they announce it early and possibly even other players.2. The teams will realize that players will sit, but make money elsewhere while owners lose money with lockout.